City Commission Approves Additional Funding for Volleyball Court Improvements at Pool and Tennis Center
The Commission authorized the increase of expenditure authority by $25,000 under Contract No. SIS2026-4 with Golf Agronomic Supply & Handling to support improvements to the volleyball courts at the Pool and Tennis Center. The additional funding will be used to purchase certified volleyball sand as part of ongoing efforts to renovate and restore the courts. This specialized sand is designed to meet specific standards for particle size and drainage, helping to create a safer, more consistent playing surface for both recreational and competitive use. The project includes replenishing and leveling the sand to maintain proper depth, which enhances playability while reducing surface compaction over time. Funding for the project was included in the Fiscal Year 2026 budget, with $40,000 allocated for volleyball court repairs. The purchase will be made through an existing contract with Golf Agronomic Supply & Handling, a vendor that provides specialized materials used for athletic field and court maintenance. Utilizing this contract allows the City to maintain consistency in materials and achieve cost efficiencies.
City Commission Approves Lift Station Repairs to Maintain Wastewater System Reliability
The Commission approved complete re-piping and related infrastructure repairs at Lift Station #58, with a total cost not to exceed $35,572.95. Lift Station #58, originally constructed in 1995, serves as a critical component of the City’s wastewater collection system for the Diamond Head neighborhood. During routine maintenance inspections, Utilities staff identified significant structural and mechanical issues within the station, including deteriorated pump bases, broken anchor bolts, and severely corroded piping. These conditions created a risk of equipment misalignment, pump failure, and potential service disruptions if left unaddressed. The approved work includes removing and replacing approximately 42 feet of damaged discharge piping with new high-density polyethylene (HDPE) piping, installing updated pump components, and performing related system improvements. To ensure uninterrupted service during construction, temporary bypass pumping will be implemented while repairs are completed. The project will be completed through an existing piggyback contract with Hinterland Group, Inc., allowing the City to efficiently move forward with necessary repairs while maintaining compliance with procurement requirements. Funding for the project is available within the Wastewater Transmission Utility Fund.
City Commission Approves Renewal of Financial Management Software to Support Budgeting and Reporting
The Commission approved the renewal of a contract with IGM US Holdings Inc. for the continued use of the Gravity Software platform, in the amount of $47,328 for Fiscal Year 2025–2026, with funding for subsequent years to be included in future approved budgets. Originally implemented in 2022, Gravity Software plays a critical role in supporting the City’s financial operations, including the preparation of the annual budget, Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR), and monthly financial statements. Since its initial adoption, the City has expanded the platform’s capabilities to include additional modules that enhance reporting, transparency, and long-term financial planning. Recent enhancements include Capital Improvement Program (CIP) reporting, which allows for improved tracking of major infrastructure projects, as well as expanded financial data management and reporting tools that strengthen analysis across departments. These added features have increased the overall value and functionality of the system. The renewal ensures the City can continue to benefit from improved efficiency, accuracy, and accessibility in its financial processes, reducing the time and resources required to produce complex financial documents. The platform also supports informed decision-making by providing timely and reliable financial data. This agreement was procured through a cooperative contract and aligns with the City’s ongoing commitment to maintaining a transparent, financially sustainable, and well-managed organization. Funding for the renewal is included in the Fiscal Year 2025–2026 budget.
City Commission Approves Technology Upgrades to Support City Operations and Cybersecurity
The City Commission approved the piggyback of a cooperative purchasing contract with Dell Marketing L.P. for the acquisition of computer equipment, peripherals, and related services, in an amount not to exceed $100,000 for Fiscal Year 2026, with future expenditures to be included in subsequent approved budgets. This investment supports the City’s ongoing five-year lifecycle replacement program for desktop and laptop computers, ensuring that aging equipment is replaced before reaching end-of-life. Proactively upgrading technology helps reduce the risk of hardware failure, minimize downtime, and maintain efficient day-to-day operations across all City departments. Newer equipment also strengthens the City’s cybersecurity posture by supporting current operating systems and security standards, while improving overall performance and reliability for staff. In addition to the Dell contract, the City Commission approved the purchase of two Dell PowerEdge R770 servers from Zimy Electronics in the total amount of $69,268.10. This purchase was authorized pursuant to Section 2-256(i) of the City’s Procurement Code. Together, these investments ensure the City’s technology infrastructure remains modern, secure, and capable of supporting essential services, aligning with the City’s commitment to operational efficiency and innovation.
City Commission Advances Scaled Approach to Entrance Monument Improvements
The Commission approved a plan to move forward with a revised, more cost-conscious approach to enhancing Cooper City’s entrance monuments, building on prior discussions regarding a broader citywide initiative. Rather than proceeding with the originally proposed full buildout of monument signage at 17 locations across the City, the Commission directed a scaled approach that includes planning for five new monument signs and the refurbishment of one existing sign. The refurbishment will serve as a test model to evaluate design, materials, and overall effectiveness before advancing with additional installations. As part of this updated plan, the Commission directed that the new monuments incorporate a range of design scales, including one large, one medium, and one small design, allowing for flexibility and context-sensitive placement at key locations. The original proposal, developed in alignment with the City’s Landscape Master Plan and Design Guidelines Manual, included construction-level design services through Kimley-Horn and Associates, Inc., a consultant selected under the City’s continuing professional services contract (RFQ2024-1-PW). That plan identified 17 potential locations throughout the City, with estimated construction costs totaling approximately $2.34 million and an initial design task order not to exceed $299,080. Funding for monument signage improvements was included in the Fiscal Year 2026 budget, with $500,000 allocated toward beautification efforts. However, the revised direction significantly reduces the scope of the current project, focusing on a phased and measured implementation rather than a full citywide rollout. This approach reflects the Commission’s intent to enhance the City’s visual identity while maintaining fiscal responsibility. By testing concepts and prioritizing key locations, the City can refine its design standards and make informed decisions on future gateway improvements.
City Commission Appoints Representatives to Broward League of Cities Board
The Commission approved the appointment of Commissioner Lisa Mallozzi as Director, Commissioner Jason Smith as Alternate, and Commissioner Ryan Shrouder as Second Alternate to the Broward League of Cities Board of Directors for the 2026–2027 term.
City Commission Approves Purchase of Buses and Skid Steer; Defers Remaining Fleet Items
The Commission approved the purchase of three buses for the Parks and Recreation Department and one skid steer for the Utilities Department, totaling $452,579, as part of the City’s fleet replacement program. The approved vehicles include a 12-passenger van, a 12-passenger ADA-accessible bus, and a 28-passenger bus, which support programs and services for residents, along with a skid steer to assist with roadway and infrastructure maintenance. These purchases were made through piggyback agreements with the Florida Sheriffs Association cooperative contracts, allowing the City to secure competitively bid pricing while maintaining procurement compliance. While the original item included additional vehicle purchases, the Commission opted to move forward only with the buses and skid steer at this time. The remaining vehicles were not approved, with direction for the City Manager to provide additional information regarding their operational needs and intended use before returning to the Commission for further consideration.
City Commission Approves Code Enforcement Software Implementation
The City Commission approved an agreement with GovForce, Inc. in the amount of $33,360.25 for the development and implementation of a Code Enforcement module within the City’s Accela platform. This initiative addresses an immediate operational need following the City’s loss of access to its previous Code Enforcement system, which had been used to manage cases and Special Magistrate proceedings. The new module will allow staff to transition away from manual processes and restore efficient case management capabilities. The City selected a two-phase expedited implementation approach, which will deliver a functional system within approximately one month, followed by additional enhancements to complete a fully robust solution. This approach was recommended to minimize disruption to Code Enforcement operations and quickly reestablish system functionality. GovForce was identified as the most qualified vendor due to its direct experience developing similar Code Enforcement modules within the Accela platform, including a successful implementation for the City of Weston. Leveraging this expertise reduces risk and accelerates deployment of a proven solution. Funding for this effort will be provided through a combination of contingency funds and salary savings from a vacant position within the Community Development Department. The implementation supports the City’s broader goal of improving operational efficiency through technology and streamlined processes.
City Commission Approves Facilities Management Software to Enhance Asset Tracking and Efficiency
The City Commission approved a contract with Brightly Software, Inc. in the amount of $50,161.64 for Fiscal Year 2025–2026 to implement a comprehensive facilities and asset management system across multiple City departments. The new software will provide a unified platform for managing infrastructure assets, work orders, and maintenance activities, allowing the City to transition from reactive maintenance to a more proactive, data-driven approach. The system will improve access to key performance indicators, enhance operational efficiency, and support better long-term planning for facilities, parks, and streets. Implementation will occur in phases, beginning with core asset classes such as facilities, parks, and streets, with a second phase planned to expand the system to utilities and fleet operations. The platform will integrate with existing systems, including GIS and financial software, and will include features such as workflow customization, asset tracking, and preventive maintenance scheduling. The contract was procured through a cooperative purchasing agreement with OMNIA Partners and Region 4 ESC, ensuring competitive pricing and compliance with procurement requirements.
City Commission Approves Use of Tree Trust Fund to Support Citywide Tree Trimming
The Commission approved Resolution 26-21 authorizing the appropriation of $200,000 from the Tree Trust Fund to support tree trimming efforts throughout the City, while establishing a dedicated expenditure line item for this purpose. The Tree Trust Fund is a restricted funding source designated for tree-related maintenance, preservation, and improvement activities. By utilizing these funds first, the City can address current tree trimming needs while preserving General Fund resources for other priorities. Under the approved approach, tree trimming costs will initially be charged to the Tree Trust Fund until the $200,000 allocation is fully utilized. Any remaining tree trimming expenses will then be covered by the existing General Fund budget, which includes $600,000 for these services in Fiscal Year 2025–2026. This strategy allows the City to maximize the use of restricted funds while maintaining flexibility in the General Fund. Any General Fund dollars not used because of this approach will be returned to fund balance at the end of the fiscal year.
City Commission Approves Second Reading of Charter Amendment Referendum Regarding Special Elections
The Commission approved the second reading of Ordinance No. 26-08 proposing an amendment to the Cooper City Charter related to the process for filling vacancies on the City Commission, making way for Cooper City voters to voice their opinion on the November 2026 ballot. The proposed amendment would revise Section 3.10 of the City Charter to provide for coordination with the Broward County Supervisor of Elections when conducting a special election to fill a vacant Commission seat. If approved by voters, the Charter amendment would clarify that special elections to fill Commission vacancies will be coordinated with the Broward County Supervisor of Elections and conducted in accordance with the timeframes established in the City Charter or as otherwise required by the Supervisor of Elections. The proposed amendment was recommended by the City’s Charter Review Board, which convened pursuant to Section 7.02 of the City Charter to evaluate potential updates and improvements to the governing document. Because amendments to the City Charter must be approved by the voters, the ordinance directs that the proposed amendment be placed on the ballot for consideration by Cooper City voters during the General Municipal Election scheduled for November 3, 2026. The ballot question will ask voters whether the Charter should be amended to provide for coordination with the Broward County Supervisor of Elections to conduct special elections in the event of a City Commission vacancy. The ordinance also authorizes the City Clerk to advertise the referendum election in accordance with the City’s Code of Ordinances and the State of Florida Election Code. According to the staff analysis, the proposed Charter amendment will have no financial impact on the City. With this ordinance being approved on second reading, the proposed Charter amendment will be formally placed on the November 3, 2026 ballot for voter consideration.
City Commission Approves Second Reading of Charter Amendment Referendum Regarding Borrowing and Municipal Bonds
The Commission approved the second reading of Ordinance No. 26-11 proposing an amendment to the Cooper City Charter related to the requirements for issuing municipal bonds and borrowing funds, allowing Cooper City voters to weigh in on the matter. The proposed amendment would revise Section 5.15 of the City Charter, which addresses referendum requirements for the expenditure of public funds. Currently, the Charter requires a referendum each time the City seeks to borrow money, contract loans, or issue bonds payable from ad valorem taxes that mature more than twelve months after issuance and are used to finance or refinance capital projects. The proposed amendment would instead align the Charter language with the requirements established under Florida law by requiring a referendum only when mandated by state law for the issuance of municipal bonds or borrowing of funds. The proposed change was recommended by the City’s Charter Review Board following its review of potential updates to the City Charter. With the approval on second reading by the City Commission, the proposed amendment will be placed on the ballot for voter consideration during the November 3, 2026 General Municipal Election.
City Commission Defers Second Reading of Charter Amendment Referendum Regarding City Commission Compensation
The Cooper City Commission is considering a proposed Charter amendment that would place a question on the November 2026 ballot asking Cooper City voters to weigh in on how City Commission compensation may be adjusted in the future. Currently, the City Commission can approve increases in its own compensation without any ceiling effective after the next election. Under the proposed amendment, the City Commission would be limited to adjust its salaries up to the rate of inflation based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI), South Region during the budget process. Any increase beyond that amount would require approval from Cooper City voters through a referendum. Furthermore, the Commission has made it clear that the proposal is intended to eliminate loopholes. Compensation would not be able to increase through other means, such as stipends, allowances, or similar payouts, without voter approval. In short, the goal of the proposal is to allow modes, inflation-based adjustments when appropriate while ensuring that Cooper City voters have the final say on any larger increases in Commission compensation.
More Information
For more information regarding the March 24, 2026 agenda, please visit: https://meetings.municode.com/adaHtmlDocument/index?cc=COOPERCITY&me=27cd459ea7184e5880653dd7c280a396&ip=true.
The next City Commission Regular Meeting is scheduled for April 14, 2026 at City Hall located at 9090 SW 50 Place, Cooper City, FL 33328.